2022 budget of Department of Palestinian Affairs sees increase

AMMAN — The parliamentary finance committee on Wednesday discussed the 2022 budget of the Department of Palestinian Affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi during the meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts towards ensuring support for UNRWA, notably to obtain financial support for the agency’s budget for three or four consecutive years, instead of annual support to avoid any obstacles. 

The number of Palestinian refugees in Jordan is growing annually, Safadi said, noting that Jordan is home to approximately 2.4 million Palestinian refugees.

Director General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs Rafiq Khirfan said that the 2022 budget of the department is estimated at JD10.1 million, JD3 million higher than the 2021 budget. 

The increase came as an implementation of Royal directives following the King’s meeting with camp residents to support camp committees, in addition to address the land rental related issues.  

The budget of the Department of the Palestinian Affairs includes current expenditures of JD3.1 million and capital expenditures of JD7 million, he said, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

There are 13 Palestinian refugee camps in Jordan, including three camps not recognised by UNRWA, namely the Sokhna, Madaba and Prince Hassan camps, he noted, adding that part of the camps are established on a state-owned land, while the other parts are owned by citizens.  

The Department of Palestinian Affairs was established under the bylaws of the regulation and administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its amendments No. 34 of 1971, with the aim of serving the higher national interests, foremost of which is the Palestinian cause.